As with all incisors, their function is for shearing or cutting food during mastication, commonly known as chewing.

In the universal system of notation, the deciduous maxillary lateral incisors are designated by a letter written in uppercase.

[3] In the universal system of notation, the permanent maxillary lateral incisors are designated by a number.

[2][4] In the Palmer notation, a number is used in conjunction with a symbol designating in which quadrant the tooth is found.

[2] The FDI notation has a different numbering system than the previous two, and the right permanent maxillary lateral incisor is known as "12", and the left one is known as "22".

[6] The teeth have a more curved distoincisal angle than the primary maxillary central incisor.

[9] The cervical ridges in all of anterior teeth are more prominent than in the There are two maxillary lateral incisors in the permanent dentition,[6] which begin to show signs of development at 10 to 12 months after birth.

[14] The curvature of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) or the cervical line sharply inclines towards the incisal ridge.

[15] The mesial view of the lateral incisor fits into the geometric shape of a triangle.

[16] The distal view of the lateral incisor fits into the geometric shape of a triangle.